Happy Birthday Deepika Padukone: Here's a List of Her 9 Best Performances

Bollywood actor Deepika Padukone is considered one of the best actors in the Hindi film industry. Since the debut film ‘Om Shanti Om’ in 2007, the actor has delivered some outstanding performances for which he received massive love from the audience. Over the years, Deepika Padukone has carved a niche for herself as one of the most successful actresses of her generation. In addition to her movies, the star has successfully dabbled in production as well as entrepreneurship.

Love Aaj Kal: 

Paired with Saif Ali Khan, Deepika played Meera a working girl in London not sure of where to draw the line between her heart and head. This was the first inkling of what Deepika was capable of doing when given a chance.  As she goes through the cycle of love and loss, Meera finds the perfect balance between head and heart. 

Goliyon Ki Raas Leela Ram Leela:

Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela presented Deepika Padukone as the feisty Leela, who is unafraid to live and die in love. She wields the gun as easily as she performs the gharba, with the grace of a peacock and strength of a tigress.This film also gave us the oh-so-wonderful couple Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone, on-screen and off-screen.

Chennai Express:

Directed by Rohit Shetty, the film was a comedy adventure, in which Deepika Padukone played the role of Meenamma and delivered one of the best performances of her career. The film marked Deepika’s second collaboration with Shah Rukh Khan after their super hit film ‘Om Shanti Om’.

Cocktail:

Deepika Padukone received widespread acclaim for her performance in the 2012 film Cocktail. Considered a turning point in her career, she played the role of Veronica, a carefree and independent woman who is torn between love and friendship. Her portrayal of the role was praised for its depth and complexity. She also won several accolades for the film.

Piku:

Released in the year 2015 and helmed by Shoojit Sircar, in the film Deepika Padukone portrayed a woman who had to deal with her father’s numerous oddities, including his obsession with his bowel motions. Accompanied by legendary talents such as Amitabh Bachchan and the late Irrfan Khan, this is movie features one of Deepika's career-best performances.

Bajirao Mastani:

Helmed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, the film was released in the year 2015 and was declared a blockbuster hit. Deepika portrayed the role of Maratha Peshwa Bajirao’s second wife Mastani and received a lot of appreciation for his performance in the film. She was regal and stunning in the most complex of scenes and dance routines. She managed to look dignified and poised even as she fought an army of enemies with her son strapped to her body. 

Padmaavat:

Directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, the period action drama film was released in the year in 2018 and also starred Ranveer Singh and Shahid Kapoor in the lead roles. Deepika played the role of Rani Padmaavati, wife of Rajput ruler Maharawal Ratan Singh who were pitted against Mughal emperor Allauddin Khilji. The climax of the film proves why Deepika Padukone is one of the greatest stars of her generation.

Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani:

Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani is the classic Bollywood rom-com with scenic locales, beautiful songs, and some iconic dance steps. The film saw Deepika Padukone alongside Ranbir Kapoor playing Naina and Bunny respectively. Watch it for the lead couple's electrifying chemistry and a whole host of lovely songs. 

Chhapaak:

In Chhappak, Deepika Padukone brought to the fore a story of strength and resilience in the face of tragedy. The film is based on the life of acid attack survivor Laxmi Agarwal and features Deepika Padukone in the challenging lead role. Deepika mines the diehard optimism in this wounded girl excavates a sense of joy in living even when life treats her with such cruelty.  Make no mistake. 

The actor will be next seen in director Siddharth Anand’s upcoming action thriller film ‘Pathaan’ opposite Shah Rukh Khan and John Abraham. The film is all set to hit the theatres on January 25, 2023. Apart from that, she also has ‘The Intern’ with Amitabh Bachchan, a Pan India film ‘Project K’ opposite south actor Prabhas and Rohit Shetty’s next ‘Singham Again’ alongside Ajay Devgn.